John Lewis’s new campaign, which launches ahead of International Women’s Day on March 8th, is inviting makers – designers, producers and emerging women-led brands – to join ‘John Lewis & Sisters’ and have their products stocked for Christmas.
Changing its name to reflect the new campaign on social media (from 8-10th March), ‘John Lewis & Sisters’ will be a platform for women to share their talents, stories, and ideas with buyers, as the brand searches for more makers.
Any brand can put themselves forward with details on how to apply on the International Women’s Day hub*. Shortlisted businesses will move through to a second pitch-style round before the final line up is chosen. Finalists will have the opportunity to become a stockist in John Lewis stores for Christmas.
Celebrating all the women that have made the nation’s favourite department store great for 160 years, we have not only rebranded to ‘John Lewis & Sisters’ for the launch but developed an iconic collage.
The image reflects the brilliant makers of the past, present and future – from the late Sarah Lewis (John Lewis’ wife) and Barbara Hepworth, to present day icons Charlotte Tilbury and Emma Bridgewater – all who are part of the fabric of John Lewis.
Charlotte Lock, Customer Director for the John Lewis Partnership, said: “For 160 years, women creators and makers have been at the heart of John Lewis – from era defining designers to our incredible Partners.
“We’re still partnering with incredible makers & are looking for the next generation, by inviting talented female business owners to come and help us shape the future of the John Lewis brand.
“Our beautiful collage to mark International Women’s Day and the campaign launch celebrates everything our women collaborators – past and present – have achieved. The bold, striking colours of the campaign reflect the strength, energy and boldness which is central to the John Lewis brand.”
To mark the launch and raise awareness of International Women’s Day, an exclusive live artist installation will be observed through the windows of the John Lewis Oxford Street store in the morning and Peter Jones in Sloane Square in the afternoon of Friday, 8th March.
The talented female artist, Nephthys Foster, of the Instagram Nephthys Illustrated, will create two pieces of original works observed through the windows of the iconic stores, expressing her interpretation of what being a woman means.
John Lewis shops will celebrate International Women’s Day with live events, experiences, offers and treats for customers shopping on the day; including DJ sets and performances from famous female talent such as Charlie Hedges (Oxford Circus), Gemma Cairney (Liverpool), and more.
To further the Partnership’s commitment to supporting the next generation of women, John Lewis said it is proud to be supporting The Prince’s Trust’s #ChangeAGirlsLife campaign, which raises vital funds to support young women to build better futures for themselves through employment, education or starting their own businesses.
The retailer is working together to Change A Girl’s Life by offering £25 off Women’s Fashion Rental from 4th-10th March*, with donations going to provide vital support to help rebuild lost confidence for these women and bring hope for a brighter future.
